Feb. 17, 2021 By Allie Griffin Restaurant owners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat after relying on outdoor dining alone during the cold winter months. Indoor dining just reopened in the city at 25 percent capacity last Friday, but a new report shows the toll its absence has had on city eateries. More than… Read more »
Feb. 17, 2021 By Allie Griffin Some of the neighborhoods that were hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City have the lowest vaccination rates for the virus, new ZIP code data shows. Queens neighborhoods like Corona — once called the “epicenter of the epicenter” of the pandemic — and Far Rockaway —… Read more »
Feb. 15, 2021 By Allie Griffin The MTA is reducing the subway’s overnight shutdown period and expanding its hours of operation, state officials announced today. The four-hour overnight subway shutdown that has been in place for roughly 10 months will be reduced beginning Monday, Feb. 22. Starting Monday, the system will be closed for just… Read more »
Feb. 12, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City pharmacies are now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to New Yorkers 65 and older through a federal program that significantly boosts the city’s vaccine effort. More than 250 pharmacies across the five boroughs are now administering the potentially life-saving vaccine, including 188 Walgreens/Duane Reade stores, 75 Rite… Read more »
Feb. 11, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Council voted to pass Council Member Costa Constantinides’ ‘Renewable Rikers Act’ Thursday, which moves the city a step closer to reimagining the island without jails. The act is comprised of two bills sponsored by Constantinides. The first bill transfers control of the island from the… Read more »
Feb. 11, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Council is considering legislation that would effectively bar Hiram Monserrate and others guilty of corruption from running for local office. The bill disqualifies anyone who has been convicted of certain felonies related to corruption or abuse of public office from being elected to major city… Read more »
Feb. 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin Two men have been indicted by a Queens County grand jury for making a terroristic threat and other felony charges after they allegedly planted a fake bomb on a car at the Queens Place Mall last month. Louis Shenker, 22, of Massachusetts, and Taylor Lyne, 27, of California, allegedly… Read more »
Feb. 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin The COVID-19 vaccination site at Citi Field finally opened today. The site is offering 200 appointments a day and is now operating Monday through Saturday. Half of the appointments are being reserved for eligible Queens residents and the remainder for TLC licensed drivers and food service workers. The Citi… Read more »
Feb. 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin One of Queens’ largest community-based organizations recently bought its long-time headquarters and plans to modernize the building. Queens Community House (QCH) bought the Forest Hills Community Center at the end of December and will start renovating the building in July, the organization announced Monday. The non-profit plans to add… Read more »
Feb. 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin A Queens resident running for City Council is in danger of losing her family home due to her father’s inability to repay a taxi medallion loan he took out years ago. Felicia Singh, a school teacher running for the Council District 32 seat representing Southeast Queens, said she was… Read more »